A college degree is not the path to the middle class Although the discussion of university attendance rates, when it occurs, is often framed in economic terms, it invokes a concept so ethereal and pernicious that it cannot be fully and fairly discussed by many Americans: class. (The Guardian via NAICU)

Universities Create Their Own Social Networks For Students Milwaukee School of Engineering is one of a handful of institutions that has decided engaging with students through social media requires more than just a Facebook page and a Twitter account. These universities are creating their own social networks centered on the student experience, with many of them hoping to cover the span from prospective student to alumnus. (Information Week via University Business)

Culture change needed to counter brain drain Back in 2008, the Chinese Communist Party turned headhunter when it began a program tempt the brightest and best Chinese back to their homeland after periods studying and working abroad. On fleeting inspection, the programme is a raging success. But scratch faintly at the surface and the gaping cracks appear. (University World News)

About the blogger

Alex Friedrich reports on higher education issues for MPR News. Among the stories he has covered: the fall of the Berlin Wall, aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, 2003 Moscow suicide bombing and 2004 presidential elections in the Republic of Georgia. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and a master’s in European political economy from the London School of Economics.